Slope-shoulder dreadnought vs square-shoulder dreadnought: Slope-shoulder wins for warm, soft attack

Slope-shoulder dreadnoughts like the Gibson J-45 give a warmer, softer attack compared to the punchy, trebly square-shoulder dreadnoughts like the Martin D-28. Mahogany back and sides help (rosewood is brighter), and a smaller 000 or OM loses low-end fullness. The J-45 is the goldilocks — warm but not muddy, loud but not harsh.